Tourism News
Kerala’s Munnar - Thekkady Route Wins ‘Most Scenic Road’ at India Today Awards
In a proud moment for Kerala Tourism, the scenic drive from Munnar to Thekkady has been honoured as the ‘Most Scenic Road’ in India by the India Today Group under their Editors’ Choice Awards in the 2025 Tourism Survey. The award was formally presented by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat to Smt. Sikha Surendran, Director, Kerala Tourism, during a prestigious function held in New Delhi.
This winding route through the Western Ghats is renowned for its captivating natural beauty. Lush tea plantations, dense forests, misty hills, waterfalls and sightings of local wildlife make it one of South India’s most spectacular journeys. Travellers along this route are also treated to views of the majestic Anamudi Peak, the highest point in peninsular India.
Shri P. A. Mohamed Riyas, Minister, Kerala Tourism, noted that the recognition reinforces Kerala’s stature as a leading ecotourism destination and will further boost visitor interest in the hill stations of Munnar and Thekkady. He highlighted how the state has worked to balance infrastructure development with environmental sensitivity, enhancing the travel experience.
Smt. Sikha Surendran, Director, Kerala Tourism, emphasized the state’s continued focus on sustainable tourism practices. She pointed out that recent ecotourism developments in Thekkady, along with ongoing initiatives in Munnar, aim to offer visitors immersive and responsible experiences in harmony with nature.
This recognition adds to a growing list of accolades for Kerala Tourism. In 2023, the innovative 'Keravan Kerala' caravan tourism initiative received the same Editors’ Choice honour. Earlier, Kerala had been named the Best Performing Big State for tourism in the 2022 ‘State of the States’ rankings by the India Today Group.
Internationally, leading publications, including TIME, The New York Times, and Travel+Leisure, have endorsed Kerala's appeal, cementing its global reputation as a premier destination for travellers seeking natural beauty and cultural richness.
